Rules Discussion: Movement, Sa'id's Choices
Subject: Re: moving on
Garyth is awed by the child in Cadfael's arms as he steps through the secret door. In some ways, perhaps, the child is much the same as any other newborn. Garyth remembers the births of his younger brothers and sisters, and they were not so different, really. But something about the child, something in his eyes, makes Garyth know just what is at stake, just how much of the future of the whole world is resting on this babe's tiny shoulders, and he knows that he must and will do anything to get the child to safety.
He starts almost imperceptibly at the thudding sound of a ram being applied to the door. It won't hold long; they need to leave. The thought has barely crossed his mind as Farron cries out, then nearly trips over his own feet hurrying down the tunnel. Whatever just happened, the mage has the right idea.
"Let's go," he says, and runs after Farron.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: moving on
Dan and Raja, just you two guys.
*taps foot*
From: Ty
Subject: some information that may be useful
I think the rules on extended rapid movement are germane at this point:
OVERLAND MOVEMENT
Characters covering long distances cross-country use overland movement. Overland movement is measured in miles per hour or miles per day. A day represents 8 hours of actual travel time. For rowed watercraft, a day represents 10 hours of rowing. For a sailing ship, it represents 24 hours.
Walk: A character can walk 8 hours in a day of travel without a problem. Walking for longer than that can wear him or her out (see Forced March, below).
Hustle: A character can hustle for 1 hour without a problem. Hustling for a second hour in between sleep cycles deals 1 point of nonlethal damage, and each additional hour deals twice the damage taken during the previous hour of hustling. A character who takes any nonlethal damage from hustling becomes fatigued.
A fatigued character can't run or charge and takes a penalty of -2 to Strength and Dexterity. Eliminating the nonlethal damage also eliminates the fatigue.
Run: A character can't run for an extended period of time.
Attempts to run and rest in cycles effectively work out to a hustle.
Terrain: The terrain through which a character travels affects how much distance he or she can cover in an hour or a day (see Table: Terrain and Overland Movement). A highway is a straight, major, paved road. A road is typically a dirt track. A trail is like a road, except that it allows only single-file travel and does not benefit a party traveling with vehicles. Trackless terrain is a wild area with no paths.
Forced March: In a day of normal walking, a character walks for 8 hours. The rest of the daylight time is spent making and breaking camp, resting, and eating.
A character can walk for more than 8 hours in a day by making a forced march. For each hour of marching beyond 8 hours, a Constitution check (DC 10, +2 per extra hour) is required. If the check fails, the character takes 1d6 points of nonlethal damage. A character who takes any nonlethal damage from a forced march becomes fatigued. Eliminating the nonlethal damage also eliminates the fatigue. It's possible for a character to march into unconsciousness by pushing himself too hard.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: some information that may be useful
:-0
What? No teleportation chamber?
From: Ty
Subject: Re: some information that may be useful
Not only that, but no Recall potions!
(Karl, who has played the Baldur's Gate game on PS2, will get that one)
:)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: some information that may be useful
I thought D&D had recall potions, just that they can only be made by a lvl 29 wizard, take 6 years each to make and cost 2/3 your entire exp points plus materials. Consequently, we might be able to purchase one for the entire contents of the burial chamber we passed through, but we'd have to carry all that to Nesalin, which would defeat the purpose.
From: Tom
Subject: Re: some information that may be useful
Amazingly, under the new potion rules, potions of recall CANNOT exist. Actually, potions of full healing can't exist, either. That aside, the Forgotten Realms sourcebook includes a spell -- Word of Recall -- which functions similar to a recall potion. If you were to use a scroll, rod, or staff imbued with Word of Recall, it would teleport you (and only you) back to where it was used when you uttered a word chosen at the time of casting.
Either way, though, it won't help you guys now.
Tom
From: Ty
Subject: Re: some information that may be useful
Hey, Tom is paying attention!
I thought we had lost you, man.
From: Tom
Subject: Re: some information that may be useful
> Hey, Tom is paying attention!
> I thought we had lost you, man.
Nope, I'm still around. Things have been CRAZY at work, so I'm mainly stuck away from my desk (and thus w/o E-mail), but I'm here. :)
Tom
From: Ty
Subject: Re: some information that may be useful
Ah. I actually figured you were on family leave.
People can still get six weeks for that, right?
From: Raja
Subject: Wrestling
Though Sa'id is silent as Promise is born, the child's arrival is like a clarion call in his mind. There are true human powers in this world beyond those of wizards. Human power does not have to pale in comparison to the divine. We can hold true power. Pelor may have wanted to rescue Promise to stop Kor Garesh, but he has inadvertently given the human race a mighty new member, one who will never accept the god himself. Perhaps Pelor doesn't mind that, or perhaps the god views it as a necessary evil -- Sa'id can't help ascribing human motives to the divine.
Sa'id wants to understand this power, wants to understand what Promise is and why. Is the Path of Blood and Stone closed to him? Are its ways kept secret from those who do not tread upon it? And what changes might Promise bring?
The necromancer sees his future branching. The consummate scholar, renowned for his writings on history and philosophy, bringing light where once there was the darkness of ignorance. Teaching children to read and write... and think. Not to be forced into accepting the ideologies of their forebears.
But there is a darker vision, wreathed in flame and death. Sa'id as a mighty general, leading an army of undead all at his command. Serving Kor Garesh? No... supplanting him. Sa'id ibn Shukri, drinker of souls?
As Cadfael brings Promise through the door, this evil vision washes away, to be replaced by a final, crystal clear vision of Sa'id as a monk, a protector of Promise on the Path of Blood and Stone, working to mend the distrust for magic but having sacrificed his own power to do so. Meditating in rock gardens. Tranquility of the soul. Could it be his?
And finally... he sees something, directly, that he can do at just this exact moment, before the undead have breached the rock door. Something that will maybe, just maybe, make all of the difference in the world. Or it will accomplish nothing and he will have thrown his life away needlessly.
He could conjure his protective circle against evil and stand in front of the door while the rest of the group fled with Promise.
He could die so that Promise might live.
It sounds very noble, and Sa'id feels drawn to the idea... it would finally, once and for all, assauge all of his guilts. Atone for the dark thoughts that have plagued him these last days.
But it might not work. Sa'id The army would have to go out the main door and hunt for the passage's exit rather than chasing them along it, yes... but how much time would that buy? Any? Now that Cadfael's ring is gone, are they shielded from Kor Garesh's sight, or is Promise a shining beacon, making them trivial to track?
Too many unanswered questions. Sa'id lays the thought of martyrdom aside and prepares to flee with the rest of the group.
OOC:
I can burn the rope after we climb down if nobody else can. Also, sorry about the delay -- I'm on a sort of vacation and only have sporadic access to my email.
Travel Speeds, Down the Rope, Cadfael's Armor
Subject: Re: Wrestling
OOC: Nice. Very good post here.
Can Circle of protection against evil be cast on inanimate objects? Like, on a stick in a narrow hallway? If so, would it keep the undead from passing through that hallway?
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Wrestling
IIRC, no. The circle centres on the caster.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Wrestling
Is the circle blocked by anything? If you cast it and stood right up against the door, might it extend through the door preventing them from hitting the door on the other side? (Not that that is necessarily the best course of action at the moment. I'm just curious as to whether that is even an option.)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Wrestling
My understanding is that yes, it would stop them from coming through the door. The problem is that it doesn't stop them from just going out the main entrance and looking for the secret exit on the side of the mountain...
From: Ty
Subject: moving on
I think I am a little unclear on what everyone is doing. Can everyone just check in with a quick, "I am doing this" type thing?
Like I said, the DM hand will be light from here on out, so I am not going to decide for you. :)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: moving on
Mission is moving back the way he came-- but he is keeping his ears open for any traps that Kor Garesh might be laying in front of them.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: moving on
Garyth is also moving back up the tunnel toward the exit.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: moving on
Ok, and sa'id and Farron are moving as well. I just need to know if Rennik or Cadfael are doing anything different.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: moving on
"I will remember his face until the end of my days," Cadfael thinks as he hands Promise over to his father, "both of their faces." And that was it. He was done. The ring was gone, the baby was returned to his father. Letting the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction wash over him. Along with the slew of other emotions, it's the picture of chaos in his mind. But pride, relief and joy are the overarching themes.
Given the choice he would have stayed in that hall keeping the moment frozen in time for as long as he could, but the sounds of Kor Garesh's minions beating against the door puts a stop to his happy thoughts. "Just another reason for me to hate him" he thinks.
"Mission," Cadfael puts a hand on his shoulder to bring his attention away from his child, "run. Go first and do not stop to aid us. You must get your son out of here, Kor Garesh must not have him."
It takes little convincing, the party is set to move before he has even finished speaking.
"Garyth!" Cadfael quickly catches up to the man. "Take these, the water will burn any undead and set them free faster than your sword." [Holy Water x2] He almost goes on. Almost apologizes for what he said when the swamp dragon came. And before that when they first entered the sewer. But his shame is too great and he cannot find the words.
"I will take the rear. Should the catch us they will find me harder to pass by than any of you. With luck the exit from the mountain will be unguarded."
Cadfael hangs back until everyone else has left the chamber and then leaves himself. He leaves his shield on his back for now, having it on his arm will only slow him down. Besides, Kor Garesh will not follow quietly; there should be plenty of warning when ... if he is caught.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: moving on
Farron is "hustling" back the way we came.
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
OODM: We are going to move on. Matt's last turn was to head out, so I will go with that. He only worried about the rope, and Sa'id offered to burn it, so there we are.
I hope everyone read the rules on movement. There are a lot of things to work out. Mission can run faster than anyone in the group, and has a decent constitution so can run for fairly long periods of time. Rennik, due to his barbarian speed, can move as fast as anyone else in the group even though he is shorter, and can run for long periods as well. The wizards, who are unarmored, can move at max speed for a human, but will tire more quickly due to lower con. Cadfael is in trouble. He is wearing medium armor, which lowers his movement speed by one third. That means that at a hustle (double movement) he will fall 2 miles behind every hour. Even at a walk, he will fall a mile behind each hour.
It breaks down like this:
One hour of walking:
Cadfael: 2 miles
Everyone else: 3 miles
One hour of hustling:
Cadfael: 4 miles
Everyone else: 6 miles
And you can only hustle an hour a day without taking fatigue damage, as listed out in the rules I sent. So, you guys have some choices to make. Either you move at Cadfael's slower speed (knowing that the lightly armored murrkat will be moving much faster), or Cadfael can ditch his breastplate for the run home. Or you can leave him behind.
Also, you need to decide if you want to force and extended hustle for greater speed at the expense of fatigue, or move at a walk and save your strength for fighting.
Be thinking about this stuff, because once you get outside, this will all matter a lot.
IDM:
It is hard to believe the change in Cadfael following the birth of Promise. He almost doesn't seem like the same person. The look on his face makes Mission almost ashamed that he didn't trust him to hold the boy. There is something in his face that says he would die before allowing the child to come to harm. His next words prove it, when he encourages Mission to leave him behind to cover the rear, while he takes his son to safety.
As the group begins to run down the hall, Cadfael also hands Garyth two water filled flasks. Holy water, blessed by Pelor's grace. A potent weapon against the undead that will be pursuing. It looks to Garyth like the priest wants to say something else as well, but holds back. It doesn't matter. After what they've seen this day, old grudges fall away like an abandoned garment. Now there is a single purpose to this group. Escape for promise. Warning brought back to their people.
It takes only a moment to reach the shaft. One by one the group goes down the rope, hearing the distant thud of something battering the hidden door. Cadfael waits till last, and just as he begins to descend the rope, he hears a huge crash of stone and a roar of triumph from up the hall. The door has been breached. He slides to the bottom, and the looks on his companions faces let him know they heard it too.
[How is Sa'id burning the rope? Everyone just continuing to run? Will Cadfael ditch his armor? Let me know.]
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
Rennik rappels down the rope with two long pushes of his legs and again pauses to look back. Hearing the others crest the ridge and take the rope embedded in the side of the stone cliff, he once more notches an arrow and aims back towards the blackness. Tichenor, feeling his master's tension, stands by him growling up into the dark.
Cadfael cannot keep up the pace burdened as he is. Rennik knows this - it is why he told us to run on, so that he may take the rear. Noble, but rash. He remembers how long it took for the priest to enter the fight with the Murrkat, how long it took for him to cover that distance. And the clanking and gleaming of armor through the trees in the noonday sun.
Watching as the other party members come into sight and pass him into the next room, he waits for Cadfael to finally come to the lower landing.
"Friend, you will not go far in your metal shell, and it will draw our enemies to us like a beacon in the noonday sun. It seems asking you this would be asking you to commit suicide, but I urge you to leave it here and run with your shield only. We must move with haste and disappear into the woods. I will be taking us on a zigzag path to lose our pursuers, and you would surely be lost if you stayed behind - and if we move at your pace, we will surely be caught."
"If you leave it, hopefully we can outrun them and you won't need to rely upon it."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
Sa'id slides gracelessly down the rope, then stands near it and waits for everyone else to pass.
"Keep running," he says. "I'll catch up." He moves closer to the dangling rope and begins to murmur a glamour [Burning Hands].
Mission Gives Up Promise, Garyth Leaves a Surprise, A Loose Knot, Elemental Discussion
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
Promise is silent as Mission jogs down the corridors. Once, Mission feels his little hand on his cheek-- a brush of soft fingers against the stubble of his beard. But Mission won't look at the boy's eyes, afraid of the visions that might be conjured up.
The Path ends at Promise. A new Path, new Blood, new Stone, would rise from him. Mission had seen already. His boy, his Promise.
Cadfael says something to him-- about running beyond them all, not waiting for them. Protecting Promise no matter the cost to the party. And then there is the rope, the sheer wall, and the shaft.
Mission pauses. "Rennick," he says. "You will take Promise."
He swallows, and feels his heart hammering in his chest. It is right to do this-- the Path is not straight, nor is it soft. "When we reach the secret door, take my son. You know the jungle the best-- if he has any chance of survival, it's with you. I don't want. . . if we are overtaken, there may not be time to hand him around. If we become seperated. . .
"Well." In the dimness of the tunnel, Mission's face is anguished and drawn. "Will you take him, Rennick?"
From: Scott
Subject: Redblade Character Generator
This is a neat little app that takes you through the character generation steps, and can output your character in HTML.
My personal opinion is that the 3.0 version's .txt output was cleaner than the current HTML; but this version has the 3.5 rules built into it.
Anyway-- here's a link.
http://www.dark-legacy.com/redblade3e/3.5e/
The 3.0 version's also available.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
Garyth interrupts Sa'id just before he begins his spell. "Wait a moment," he says, unslinging his pack. He removes a flask of lamp oil. He gauges the distance to the top of the shaft, but it's too far to be sure he could throw it, so he unstoppers the flask and pours out the oil on the floor where the rope meets the floor. Having completed his task, Garyth hefts his pack and stands out of the way of Sa'id's magic.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
I just need Rennik's response to this unexpected request, and a quick check in from Cadfael.
Thanks.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
Cadfael smiles warmly at Rennik's show of concern, surprised at how much it means to him.
"I suppose if we're caught we've already lost haven't we? Very well, but I still take the rear." he says in a tone that leaves no room for argument.
He quickly pulls out his dagger and cuts away at the straps holding his breast plate, removing it as quickly as possible. It doesn't matter what condition it's left in, he'll certainly never see it again.
The shield, however, he will not part with.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
Watching Sa'id burn the rope, Rennik begins to feel as though they have a chance. Hopefully one or two of the halflings or humans will run off the blind cliff and break their necks at the bottom, though he supposes that wouldn't matter to the undead.
Watching Cadfael deftly cut the straps to his armor, it finally sinksin that the man's sanity has returned to him, that he dark shadows under his eyes have lost their sinister cast, instead looking as though he's lacking sleep - which can surely be said of all of them. Seeing the man in his tunic, again slinging his shield and pack across his back, Rennik nods and says "I will do what I can to get us through this, friend Cadfael. The way is dangerous, but Mielikki will show the way through the shadowy groves that filter Pelor's light."
Taking just a moment to prop the armor in the doorway to the next room in the hopes that at least one of their pursuers would trip and thereby form another obstacle. As they race through the rooms, closing the doors behind them, Rennik calls out to Farron to aid him.
"Caller Farron! Can you ask one of the mountain creatures for aid again? Perhaps it could form an earthen wall behind the doors as well. They would surely turn back at a rock wall, but a door they would take time to knock down - if they don't know the wall is on the other side."
Continuing through the corridors, Rennik's mind races with possibilities for the jungle retreat. They took the underground corridor for much of the way... but the secret way was blocked with undead drones.... however, the hut with the ladder should now be unguarded. It would be possible to climb down the ladder and race down the tunnel to avoid swamp dragons...
But how would they exit through the roof of the tunnel again? (OOC: Did they leave the rope? Or take it?) And would those zombies still be in the side corridor - and would they attack now? Maybe it would be best to take the overland route and risk the swamp dragons. During midday they would rest in the heat of the sun, but near dusk there could be problems.
His mind shuffles through possibilities as he gets to the secret door to the mountain, and a though occurs to him that there may be an army awaiting them on the other side. As he braces himself to go through, Mission grabs his arm and makes his request.
Rennik's mind churns to a halt, totally shocked by the man's words. This is the child Rennik would have killed had it been necessary, a comment that had surely kindled the monk's fury. It showed an amazing amount of trust to ask him to carry his child, and Rennik's brain started slowly altering plans.
The child might have the best chance in his arms, yes. But the group's chances might be lessened if he had to divide his attention between a babe and a pack. Would it make him overly cautious? Would it stay his hand when risk needed to be taken? It would certainly make it impossible to fight - but if it came to fighting, Mielikki's grace would surely be lost and their lives forfeit. He would need his hands free... and...
Without words, Rennik pulls his cloak from his pack and forms it with his knife and a few knots into a front-carry sling the women of the tribe used to wear when they took their babes to the woods to gather herbs and berries. It would allow him to use his hands during the flight and...
It seemed as though his body had made a decision his mind hadn't yet come to. Consciously, he had reservations about this being the best idea, but the shock of the situation wasn't allowing him to think clearly about it. But the babe's father asked him to save its life and chose him to bear that burden.
Slinging the carrier around himself and replacing his pack, Rennik looks soberly up at Mission.
"I will accept this burden from a father looking to protect his son and swear by Mielikki and my unborn sons that I will do everything in my power to bring him to safety."
Taking the babe, he looks into clear, perfect eyes far older and wiser than all save the most revered elders of the tribe. Eyes that have seen truths unknown to the world and accepted them, finding strength. He felt reassurance in those eyes, and a sense of security in his arms. Looking back up at Mission, he nodded once and turned toward the secret door.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
I need a response from Farron on Rennik's request.
Rennik makes a craft check, DC 12 to make a sling. Roll 10. Failed.
IDM: Rennik quickly puts together a sling that resembles the ones the women of his tribe use. Unfortunately, not having children of his own yet, he has never actually had to make one. He loops and ties it in what he thinks most closely matches the style he's seen, but his unfamiliarity means it is less than sturdily put together.
One of the knots is very loose, though he does not see it.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
OOC: Hey Scott, still sure that was sucha good idea? :\
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
Does Mission see the loose knot? If he does, he'll try his own hand at fixing it.
Mission will stay close as possible to Rennick and Promise.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
No. The loose knot is a function of the failed Craft roll.
The bottom line is this:
Each time the sling is put under stress, like running or jumping, I will roll to see if the knot fails. If it does, Rennik will have a chance to grab the kid before he falls.
None of the characters will be able to anticipate this in any way.
Sorry. But on the plus side, Rennik's base touch attack is pretty good, and Promise has a base AC of 5. Even with negative situational modifiers, it is incredibly unlikely that Rennik would ever drop him.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
"An elemental is a creature that is called from its element. Its substance is its element and it can move through that element, but it does not control it. An elemental could attempt to block the path or even hold the door, but those I have power to summon are small for their kind and the power I would expend would be better used otherwise.
"What I can do is cast a spell of haste on us all. You may remember I did this once before at the tower. The question is, though, when would this be best? Now, so we can get a head start? Or perhaps once we get outside and see what our situation is? I think the latter."
(ooc - unless I misunderstand the nature of elementals, I don't think Rennik's request is possible given my powers. Ty, correct me if I'm wrong.)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
Karl is right. The elemental can't build a wall, sadly. (just verified this)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
Hmm. What would the elemental's strength and duration be? Could it just lean against a door with its lower half rooted in the dirt? Essentially making itself a wall? I guess it would depend on how long it lasted... though, maybe it could move some of the big stone tombs in front of the door.
I dunno. I don't have the open source rules on this computer, so I can't even look for it.
Almost Out, Who Goes First?
Subject: Re: The Chase; back down the tunnel 2
Well, the elementals Farron can summon are the smallest of their kind. Also, they only last for 5 rounds (i think). In essence, it is very likely that if he summoned one to hold the door, it would vanish before a significant portion of the party's pursuers even got to the door. While the idea is good in theory, I think in practical application in this instance it would basically be a waste of a spell.
From: Ty
Subject: so....
What now?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: so....
Where are we? Has Sa'id cast his Burning Hands spell yet?
Is Farron going to summon anything to tide the dark forces over till they can catch up with us?
Do we have any way of collapsing the tunnel?
Should Farron caste Haste now? (I vote yes, as soon as we get out of the mountain-- it will be too late once they've caught up with us.)
I don't like the idea of leaving Cadfael and Sa'id anywhere alone-- stick together, stay alive, says I.
Mission will follow Rennick and Promise closely.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: so....
I don't think you hepcats are waiting on me, but if you are, Garyth doesn't have much to add at this point. He did his bit with the oil and is now ready to move out.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: so....
Once Cadfael is done cutting off his armour he's ready to move out.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: so....
Rennik's all ready to run out, drop Promise like a greased bowling ball, juggle him a few times, then hand him back to his father... and run again. Faster this time, and away from Mission.
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; More running away
OODM: there were a lot of things sent last turn that spanned more time than this one turn, so I might be fudging the timing a bit to make it all fit.
IDM:
At the bottom of the shaft, Garyth pours out oil all over the floor under the rope while Sa'id gets out his components and prepares to cast a spell.
After a quick exchange with Rennik, Cadfael is pulling out his dagger to cut the straps on his armor. Sa'id turns to everyone and says, "You might want to step away." Everyone takes a few steps further down the hall, and Sa'id spreads his fingers while muttering to himself. There is a loud *whoomp* and all the air is sucked from the hall for a second. But the fire fulfills its purpose, and the rope and oil both burst into smoky flame.
Farron is fairly bouncing in place. "It is really really time to go!" he says after the fire starts. The party does not disagree. From up the hall above them, the sounds of pursuit grow louder.
As they run, Mission and Rennik have their exchange, by the time they have reached the outer door, Rennik has fashioned his crude sling, and taken Promise in his arms.
Touching the child is a shock. The faded vision of his future, of the promise of what he can be, suddenly returns to Rennik in a sharp reprise. It passes again, but he is careful to keep the child totally wrapped in the blue cloak so that they don't touch. Those visions are too powerful for them to be hitting him as he runs.
The party winds up at the final door, the secret door in the mountain side. Cadfael has removed his armor. Rennik carries Promise in his sling. Everyone has been running flat out for about five minutes, and there is a fair amount of puffing and panting in the enclosed space. There is no longer the sound of pursuit, but there are several doors and the burial room behind you. Who knows how far back the pursuers might be? Or even if they made it past the burning shaft.
Farron's head pops up with a look of revelation on his face. "These beings are evil and selfish, right? How hard will it be for them to run through that gold filled room without stopping for a little snatch and grab? I mean, other than the undead?"
Sa'id nods with a hard grin on his face. "And let us hope that the ancients left traps behind to discourage such behavior."
Garyth looks impatient as he says, "What now, Rennik? Who goes out first?"
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
The words "I do" jump into Rennik's mind, but he holds them short, feeling the weight in the sling about the shoulders and knowing just how useless he'd be in a fight right now.
"You will lead Friend Garyth, followed by friend Sa'id. If there is any resistance, they should be able to handle it. Friend Mission will follow with myself next, and then Caller Farron and Friend Cadfael defending our rear."
Garyth's training should serve him well if there is a need to act quickly, and Sa'id's magic, from the way he speaks of it, would be best to dispatch a large force if one awaits them, though he is loathe to admit it. Desperate times call for desperate acts, even if such acts require magic.
Mission would certainly guard Rennik with his life for his son's sake, and would want to enter the unknown before his son, which is understandable. And Cadfael would be the best to hold off any undead pursuers behind, possibly with the help of the creatures Farron can call from the mountain.
Before letting Garyth go, he speaks again.
"It would be best to get back into the tunnel. There is a guardhouse with a ladder close to here that would take us out the way we came. It would avoid the perils of the jungle and give us almost a direct shot toward home."
He pauses briefly.
"There may be guards left behind that were not called into the chamber in pursuit, though they are likely few if any. There are also the zombies in the side tunnel, if they too are still there... though I don't know if an attack at the ladder would trigger them to wake."
"If I could cover our tracks behind us to the guard house, we could likely fool them into thinking we went to the woods... or, if you could call a creature of the wind, Caller Farron, it could blast our tracks away from the hard ground."
"It is risky, but it might be our best choice. We could likely lose them in the forest, but there are other dangers there. But we must decide quickly."
Out the Door, Uh Oh
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
OOC: I didn't see where anyone took the rope out of the tunnel WAAAY back after we faced the swamp dragon, so that should afford us a way out.
IC:
It is difficult watching another man carry Promise. Mission keeps pace with Rennick, fretting at the way that Promise bounced and jiggled in the halfling's sling. But he keeps his silence.
Except to nod in support of Rennick's suggestion. "Let's hurry," he says.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
"We will see what is best" Farron says in reply to Renniks comment about a "creature of the wind". Once outside, he casts Haste on the party.
(OOC - Farron can cast haste on 5 people and it lasts 5 rounds. He will cast it on the 5 slowest party members (not counting the child.) I'm assuming that Mission is the fastest of us so he will have to do without, though he probably won't mind that at all. Sorry this is so short. I'm swamped at work today and have a ton of things I need to do for my move on the 21st. /OOC)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
OOC: So we're going for the tunnel, then? Sounds good to me (and Garyth), I just wanted to check.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
Ummmmm...
If you didn't (and I sort of assumed you had), then you had no rope to go up the shaft with. So, we are playing like you did.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
OK... Well, if the rope we used to get up the shaft was the same as the rope we used to get down into the tunnel, we are kind of stuck with having to go through the jungle, as we kind of just torched both Mission's and Garyth's rope.
I guess that settles that.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
I think Rennik was considering using the ladder in the guardhouse to get into the tunnel.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
Yeah, sort of skipped that part. We'd grab the ladder from the guard house, carry it with us to the other end of the tunnel, then climb back up.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
Can I get a quick synopsis of the exact plan of action once that door opens?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
As soon as the door opens, Farron will be casting haste on all party members except Mission.
We go to the guard house, kick whatever asses need kicking there,
Scurry down into the tunnel,
Kick any zombie asses that might still be there (if they attack)
Take the ladder
travel back along the tunnel to the cave in
Use the ladder to climb up
(Hope there are no swamp dragons)
travel through the jungle towards home.
Did I forget something?
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
Yes, the Rennik dropping Promise and having his neck snapped by Mission. Otherwise, I think you've got it wrapped up.
On the way out, though, Rennik will lag behind a bit with Mission, doing his best to cover their tracks with the remains of the cloak he cut for the sling. (Survival check)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
Sa'id and Garyth exit first.
Then Mission, then Rennick.
Then Cadfael and Farron.
I think.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; More running away
Turn forthcoming.
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
The plan is set, and Garyth and Sa'id place themselves next to the exit, ready to run when the door swings open. A glance back at Mission, who nods once, and Garyth puts his shoulder into the door, swinging it wide. He bolts out, with the wizard just behind, and then skids to a stop, Sa'id slamming into his back with an audible *oof*.
Garyth doesn't even turn around. He is looking at the entrance of the temple with something between panic and resignation in his eyes.
Chaos boils around the temple steps. Hundreds of the servants of Kor Garesh congregate there in an angry and random mob. Several captains appear to be trying to establish some sort of order, and break the army up into groups, but many of the halflings just run off in small knots, ignoring their orders. The undead mostly stand motionless, appearing to be waiting for something. Clearly visible in the crowd are some of the more distinctive members of the Garesh's congregation. The half elven hunter is there, collecting a small group of halflings around him. The witch is gesturing emphatically to a group of men. The half orc is missing, and it makes you wonder if he is with the group chasing you down the hallway from behind. Elise is notably absent at this point.
With that huge group assembling for the hunt, it would be impossible to get anywhere near the guardhouse. Fortunately, none of them are spreading out to search the outside of the mountain yet. As this appears to be a fairly monumental oversight, it is probably also one that they will correct in the very near future.
Rennik knows there are only two ways to go from here. If you run east, you can parallel the path of the tunnel you took to get here, but will be in the jungle for a long time. If you run south, you are in the jungle half as long, but lengthen the overall journey by a day or more. The hunting parties will certainly be concentrating on the eastern path.
[I delayed Farron's spell for a second, to allow everyone to respond to this, and a decision about where to go to be made.]
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
OOC: Well, that certainly sucks. Raja, do you have that invisibility spell today?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
"If we must take to the jungle, I vote South," Farron says, remembering the swamp dragon with a shudder. Still he knows they'll fair better against a swamp dragon than against the hoard assembled in their path.
(OOC - "What exactly are your plans when you get to the tunnel?" Ty, you slay me.)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
"We go south. There is no reason to follow the tunnel path away from the mountain, as we only used it to find the temple entrance - no path is needed to flee the mountain. Any way we run, there will be pursuit, but there is less jungle between the mountain and the forest to the south. The less time we spend in the jungle, the better our chances."
He mentally calculates for a moment before adding:
"The journey will be longer by roughly a day, but the bulk of it will be in the forest and away from the swamp dragons and most of the H'ruggda. It will also be harder to track us in the forest, with fewer broken branches and leaves, and harder ground to hide footprints."
Rennik will point the general direction for Garyth and Sa'id to move, implying that they should remain point men, then motions Cadfael and Farron to follow.
"I will stay at the rear for the first leg of the journey to cover our tracks away from the secret door. Hopefully that will buy us some time."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
Anyone want to add further discussion? If not, I will just write up the next turn. Check in if you want me to hold off.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
"Let's get moving before they see us," Mission says.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
Farron still hasting at this point?
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
OOC: So, am I the only one that wants to know about the Circle of Invisibility spell?
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
Rennik wouldn't mention anything about it, since he wouldn't think to use magic at any point, really. His attention to Farron is that he's a caller of animals, not a spellweaver... he differentiates those two in his head.
But, that said, I don't know if Sa'id memorized anything that wasn't of use in the big fight for today. I think he was filling his slots with fireballs and whatnot.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
"Shall I still cast haste?" Farron asks the group.
(If the reply is yes, go ahead. I'm away from the computer after this until monday.)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
I have Circle of Invisibility memorized. Not to mention Magic Circle against Evil.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
I meant Invisibility Sphere. Same difference. :P
It only lasts one minute/level though, IIRC... but it would be enough to get us away and into the jungle or maybe even the tunnel.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
Well, Rennik won't object to either spell, though he won't bring them up, either.
Spell Detection?
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
If you cast the spells, what's the likelihood that someone will detect the casting?
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
I can see the witch at the bottom of the mountain among the army. Her eyes are glowing, which most likely means she's using some sort of detection spell.
It's probably detect magic (range 60') or arcane sight (stronger detect magic, range 120').
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
If we're far away enough from the witch so she doesn't see us, and we won't enter within the range that she can detect, Farron should cast Haste, and Sa'id Invisibility.
Into the Jungle, Wile E. Halfling
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
But I think we should head towards the jungle (south) regardless and avoid the tunnel altogether. That will more than likely put the whole of the hunting party behind us (though they may pursue). If we go to the tunnel haste and invisibility will likely only serve to get us into their midst.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
I agree-- let's move south.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Run for the tunnel- oh crap
OK. Moving south is good. I'll cast invisibility after Farron casts haste.
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Sa'id and Farron confer quickly, and Farron begins to chant while waving his hands about. Mission suppresses a shudder, remembering the savage glee he felt while under the Haste spell last time. He isn't sure if he is shivering out of gladness that the spell won't be cast on him this time, or out of regret that he won't feel the rush of speed and power once again. He decides not to think about it, and moves over to put himself between the mages and the rapidly forming search parties to the east.
Rennik, for his part, is watching the small group that forms around the half elf with growing concern. He tugs Garyth's sleeve once, and points him in that direction. "That's who we need to worry about. See the Murrkat he is gathering? All carry bows or slings. All with bits of leave and twig in their clothes and armor. Those are hunters. Trackers. The half elf has the look of a tracker himself. That's the group that will dog our trail the hardest." Garyth nods. There is no reason not to believe the halflings assessment. Garyth can always spot a swordsman by the way he stands and how he moves his feet. He assumes that Rennik can do the same with woodsmen.
Rennik continues to fret. He knows that his skills at hiding their trail will be pitted directly against the skill of the half elf tracking them. Normally, he would relish such a challenge. His mind already whirls with tricks, and traps, and ambushes. But the weight of the child around his neck is a constant reminder of the handicaps he'll have in this particular contest.
Cadfael stands nearby, looking almost gaunt without his breastplate. He looks up at the sun and closes his eyes, letting the light warm him. It has been a very long time since he was warm. Again, he feels that odd disconnect, as if he could take this one moment and stay in it forever. Each moment since the ring came off is so sweet, he hates to leave them and move into the next. To his right, wizards mumble under their breath. To his left, Rennik and Garyth mutter about hunters. But he stands in the middle, and for this one moment, he is warm. It's enough.
Farron finishes his incantation, and the party feels a shift in their perceptions, as the world around them seems to slow down. There is a odd sensation, as if the blood fizzes with bubbles, that is not entirely pleasant. Sa'id immediately begins his spell, making sure to speak and enunciate clearly. It is difficult to cast while hasted, though all students were trained to do it at the college. One can not speed up a spell casting, so it requires a conscious slowing of the process while hasted.
When his spell is finished, Rennik says to Garyth, "Lead them south." Garyth begins to move off at a blur, but Sa'id catches his arm. "If you move too far away from Mission, he will be seen." Garyth nods, and slows the pace to match what the monk can manage without the spell (base move for party 40'). Rennik remains at the rear, using trail craft to cover their passage as best he can, knowing that any true hunter will not be fooled for long.
The two spells accomplish their purpose, and the party has moved far enough into the jungle that they can no longer see the mountain when the magic ends. Now it is just a race.
[Ok. You guys got a hundred feet or so into the jungle before the spells ended. Your default setting will be full movement south unless I hear otherwise. If you are doing anything other than that, I need details. I also need to know if you plan to hustle to gain extra ground. You can hustle up to one hour per day without fatigue affects. Additional hustling causes fatigue. See the rules I sent out for details on the effects of fatigue. Anything else, other than "walk south" must be detailed out for me. I don't want any "But I would have been doing this!" later on. :)]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Beneath the cover of leaf and branch, Mission finds himself breathing again. The echoes of Farron's and Sa'id's spells caroom around in his ears-- he shakes them off.
"We should hustle on," he says. "We've got a lead on them now. We should take as much advantage of it as we can."
OOC: We should hustle now as much as we can. Let's get beyond our trackers as far as possible-- if they catch up with us, it will be too late to hustle.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Sa'id nods. "I have no desire to be caught," he says, though internally has to stifle some disappointment. He avoids looking at Promise.
OOC: Yeah, I agree, let's make with the hustling.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Farron remembers the invasion of his brain and how near he came to an unforgivably traitorous act and shudders. He wants nothing more than to put as much distance between himself and the mountain as possible as quickly as possible. He nods at Mission's suggestion, but does not look at him. He takes only a few seconds to secure his pack and check on Jack who at some point slunk back and was sulking in one corner of his pocket. He gives the little guy a tentative stroke then a reassuring pat as he stretches out across the bottom of Farron's pocket.
Too ashamed to look at anyone in the group, he takes his assigned place in the line-up and watches intently for any sign of swamp dragon or giant snake or pursuing terror.
(OOC - I agree on the hustle for as long as we can without getting fatigued. Ty, is there a penalty toward any spot checks (i.e. against swamp dragons and the like) if we are hustling??)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
That's actually an excellent question. I'm not sure.
Logically, of course, one would think that running would result in lower perception. However, I don't know how the rules handle that.
*back from checking*
Ok. You get a -6 check to your spot rolls while hustling, and a -3 while just walking fast. It's -1 per 10' of base movement while moving.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Sorry I asked.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Rennik stares hard at the half elf and the Murrkat surrounding him before setting off toward the woods. He doesn't know our numbers or our condition, and he doesn't know Rennik's own skill as a woodsman. If he made the right moves, they might very well have an advantage.
He is sure to have Tichenor walk out in front of them much of the way so that his trail will be most hidden. If worse comes to worst, he might prove an effective surprise for their foes. Before they set out, he gives rough instructions to the group.
"While we are on the rocks, try to avoid stepping on any small plants or patches of soft soil. Stay to the hardest and most solid path. I will cover our trail as best I can, but this is our greatest advantage - they don't know where we are entering the jungle. Once in the jungle, try to move under or past branches and leaves, rather than breaking them, at least for the first hundred feet or so. Let's make them work just to figure out what became of us."
When they approach the jungle, Rennik will search for the easiest entry point that would cause the least disturbance of the foliage. Again, he would do his best to cover their trail. Once well within the jungle, far from sight of the mountain, he would set in motion another plan of distraction.
"Friend Garyth, I need you to pretend to be a scout. Split off our trail into the woods for thirty feet or so, and then come back to us. If you can, try to move on hard ground or rocks, or stay on large roots of trees. I know you will leave tracks, but it is my hope that they will take time to investigate each trail - they don't know who is carrying Promise, or if we might try to send one runner to get him to freedom."
"But be careful, and keep your eyes open. Don't step on anything's tail thinking it's a root." With a smile, he continues to hide their trail.
Whenever the ground is too soft to truly cover their tracks, or foliage so dense as to make it impossible, Rennik will walk with a heavy limp using the haft of his axe as a sort of cane. If they think one of the party is injured, they won't have a good estimate of their movement speed. And surely they wouldn't give Promise to the wounded halfling, which would provide one more layer of security.
If they reach any streams, Rennik will also take the party through the running water. He will move downstream 20 feet or so and disturb the opposite bank with footprints to make it seem like they exited there, then take them back upstream 50 yards or more to hide their trail before continuing on in the direction they were moving.
When they reach any sort of small clearing, Rennik will also ask the group to perform another trick. Sending Tichenor on ahead to the other side, he will walk the group to the middle of the clearing. Each will choose a different direction and walk outward in a starburst, making an obvious trail into the woods for ten feet or more before turning and moving through the foliage toward the far side of the clearing and Rennik's birdcall whistle. Rennik will cover Tichenor's tracks as best he can, but will leave his own visible. Again, any confusion on their trackers part will buy time.
"We Do This"
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
OOC - Pretty smart. Where did you learn all this stuff?
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
(OOC: I'm making it up as I go, imagining with all my might that I'm a three foot tall, paranoid, skittish, half beast-man who's being hunted in the woods. :)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Well I must say you are doing it superbly. I'd trust you with my life were I in Farron's position, though I guess were I in Farron's position I'd kinda HAVE to.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
(OOC: :-D Thanks!)
(OOC part deux: Forgot about hustling!)
Rennik would keep the party on a pretty careful pace until they were at least 100 yards or more into the jungle, trying to disturb as little as possible of the foliage and terrain. Once deep enough in, he would start moving the party at a hustle for that hour, with Garyth splitting off from time to time.
During the start of the hustle, he would be sure to lag behind, dragging one foot. He would then run at the front of the group with Tichenor. At the front of the pack, his footsteps will likely be trampled upon - halfling footprints with a limp, then no halfling footprints while they ran, then halfling footprints with a limp,...perhaps the tracker might think he'd been carried that distance.
Also, he would have the best chance of noticing changes in the jungle that might mean danger while they are running, and he would be able to pick a path that might afford them both safety and at least some confusion to their pursuers.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Rennick's plan sounds good to me.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Preferrably, whoever has the best Spot check would run up front with him. :) Rennik's only got a 5 check.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
This, not being in Cadfael's comfort zone, is all fine and well with him. And is happily happening at a time when I have very little free time. Good timing, Ty.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Farron will just follow Rinnik's directions. Aside from keeping a paranoid eye out for any dangers his actions will be "do as he is told" until the next major event from our DM. During this time he keeps pretty much to himself. He responds if spoken to, but doesn't try to make chitchat.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Sa'id will also be following Rennik's directions.
The Day's Journey, Mission and Promise
Subject: Re: The Chase; Spells and more spells and some running
Garyth nods wordlessly to Rennik's suggestion. He's not nearly the woodsman Rennik is. Hopefully, the time he spent as a youth playing in the woods behind the family farm will be of some use to him in this ruse. As he sneaks off, he remembers the times he and his brothers would play Hide-and-Seek amongst the trees. It's been a long time, though. He just hopes enough comes back to him to help throw off their pursuers.
From: Ty
Subject: The chase; jungle and more jungle
The group runs through the jungle at a swift jog for nearly an hour before Rennik calls them to a stop, puffing and out of breath. "We... stop for a moment." Everyone nods agreement, and plops to the ground panting. Rennik hands Promise to his father, and moves away back up the trail a few hundred yards to hide and confuse it while everyone else rests. When he returns he says, "We move no faster than a swift walk from here. If we're caught, we'll need our strength for fighting or running then. I don't want to be ambushed while out of breath."
Garyth nods. "Agreed. And I think we've gained some ground here. It won't be easy to catch us now."
Farron swats at one of the giant blood sucking bugs that are so ubiquitous here. "How much longer are we in this jungle?" Rennik shrugs. "A day" I don't know. Those southern forests are Kalama territory. We are not at war with them, but we have been in the past. Relations are... strained. We Chorrdath avoid those woods." He takes Promise back, and returns him to the sling. The party begins to get up and move out. Rennik adds, "I would rather an honorable fight with a Kalama hunter protecting his land than a fight with those who chase us. But if we do meet any of my folk in those woods, do not speak or act before me. Let me feel it out first. Agreed?"
The group moves on. Rennik does his best to cover the trail, but the need for haste limits what he can do. His only hope is that it is enough to delay those that follow. He doesn't need to completely lose the pursuers, just slow them enough. If the group can reach Overlook ahead of their pursuit, they will have stout wooden walls and a garrison of fifty men to help them.
For the rest of the group, it is just more walking. The mind numbing process of one foot in front of another, broken only by the need to avoid sinkholes, and swat bugs, and pull slimy hanging plants out of one's face. At one point, Sa'id almost steps on a resting swamp dragon. It looks like a large rotten log until it opens its mouth in a four foot long tooth filled warning. Sa'id, and Farron next to him, nearly wet themselves but the creature does not appear to want to fight. It just wants to be left alone, and they quickly oblige it. Rennik says a quick prayer of thanks to Mielikki and to the darker gods of swamp and lizard.
At mid afternoon rolls around the thunder starts. Kessel begins collecting a thunder storm of fittingly apocalyptic proportions. For nearly half an hour you can hear nothing but the crash of one bolt after another, the sky above the jungle flashing bright white a split second before each blast. Just as the thunder dies down, the rain begins. It comes down in drenching waves, leaving everyone soaked within seconds. Rennik bundles Promise even tighter in the dead wizards cloak, and is gratified to see that the magical cloak seems to shed water like a ducks feathers. The baby stays quite warm and dry inside it. At least the rain will make tracking much more difficult.
In the jungle, under heavy cloud cover, and being drenched in rain, it is difficult to tell exactly when night falls. But at some point, it gets so dark that the party can barely see five feet ahead of them, and exhaustion sets in. Rennik hears an almost apologetic little cry. He looks down, and Promise is staring up at him with an almost embarrassed look. He gives one more little half hearted cry. Some ancient genetic memory of how these things work kicks on in Rennik's head and says, "He is probably hungry or soiled or both."
[Ok. Decision time. You have moved as far as you can without starting to pile up fatigue penalties. Promise is a newborn baby, and is hungry and has been carted nonstop for the entire first day of his life. Do you want to move on? What will you do about Promise? Do you want to camp? Gimme some details please. At this point, you are still in the jungle.]
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The chase; jungle and more jungle
"We should camp, but not here."
Rennik takes a look around the area before speaking again.
"Make as though we have camped. Take off your pack, drop it on the ground, shuffle it about. Sit, stand, walk around back and forth. Tramp the ground down a bit. Once it looks as though we've been stopped here, we will move off through the woods as carefully as possible for 50 yards or more, then make true camp."
"With a camp, and no trail leading off, it may just delay them or throw them off. I will make attempts to booby trap the path we leave tonight, as well."
Setting about the camp at a heavy limp, making dragging marks with his foot, Rennik breaks a length of wood from a tree and starts whittling it into a splint with his knife. He intentionally cuts deep to ruin the strength of the splint, then discards it. Breaking off another length of wood, he places it in his pack. Hopefully, he thinks, this will continue the ruse of his being injured.
After the false camp is made, and the group moves off at 90 degrees from the path they had been taking, Rennik will go back and cover the path as best as possible. He will then dig a few foottraps, digging up the hard dirt, burying an arrow point up just under the surface, then replacing the soil loosely over the top and hiding it with ground cover. He'll do this with ten arrows from his fallen kinsman's quiver, saying a quiet pray to Mielikki to allow his kin revenge.
Once back at the proper camp, making sure everyone is very careful not to disturb much of the undergrowth, his mind turns to the Kalama.
His father had told him of the wars with the tribe. They were honorable fighters that fought with strength and cunning, much like their mongoose totem. They are an animistic people, who worship the spirits of animals and the weather rather than any established gods. If Rennik remembers correctly, it was this that brought the two tribes into conflict - some nonsense about the Kalama betraying Mielikki by denying her, and betraying the halfling tribes by angering the forest gods.
The Kalama, in turn, claimed the Chorrdath worshipped false gods, apart from the true spirits of life. They felt the Chorrdath were tainted by the humans, having abandoned their animistic roots. Knowing what he knows now, Rennik shudders. It was the Kalama who had drifted the further from their civilized roots - and likely for the best.
Rennik's own views on the subject were sort of a compromise. Mielikki governed the forests and provided for the halflings, certainly, but she worked in mysterious ways. Her messages were often carried by animals appearing at certain times, or plants growing where they had no normal reason to grow. Rennik believed the animal spirits were just ways of seeing Mielikki, by worshipping her servants and acts, and he had no trouble accepting that. A tree can be called many things by many tribes, yet it still remains a tree.
Even so, he had to be careful, and to call attention early to the truce between their peoples, and give honor to the great mongoose and the other animals of the forest. Pride would not be prudent.
He turns to Cadfael.
"It is good to see the palor gone from your face, servant of Pelor. It is as though you again see the sun... I... We will be entering the territory of a tribe called the Kalama. They believe that all gods are false idols, and that only the spirits of animal and plant are true..."
He pauses, trying to think how to phrase his next thought.
"Not that you would... but... I... it would not be wise to speak of your god before them. My tribe was at war for several years simply because we worshipped Mielikki, and they the great mongoose. In fact," he glances at Cadfael's shield, "it might be best to cover Pelor's symbol for the next leg of the journey. I do not know their feelings toward the sun god, but if they have fallen so far away from the ways of our ancestors, there may still be a lingering denial of Pelor, as there is a denial of the ways of human civilization."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The chase; jungle and more jungle
When the group selects its location for the night's camp, Garyth takes Promise from Rennik. Growing up in a big family, he has changed his share of diapers, and he doubts any of the others can say the same. He finds a bit of shelter from the rain under a broad-leafed tree and cleans the baby. He also tries to clean the robe with rainwater; hopefully the charm that keeps the robe dry will aid in the cleaning, as they have nothing else with which to clothe the child. He then hands Promise to Mission.
"I don't know what we have to feed your son with. If we could risk a fire and the time we might try making a bit of broth, but if our pursuers find us..." Garyth trails off. Everyone knows what will happen if they are caught. He gropes for words for a moment, then turns to Cadfael. "Ah... Brother Cadfael, do you know of any prayer that might bring us some food for the child?"
OOC: Garyth will offer to take the first watch, but won't argue if Rennik or Mission wants it. In the morning, he will want to go as fast as Rennik thinks prudent, hustling for the first hour if possible.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The chase; jungle and more jungle
His voice is almost desperate. "I'll take him, Rennick," Mission says, lifing Promise out of the halfling's sling. He tucks the child into his arms, so right, so _good_, like he fits there, like he is a natural part of Mission's own body.
Garyth steps forward, mentions something about changing Promise-- but Mission shakes his head. "Thanks, no. He is my boy. I can do it."
He'd better. How much time did he have with Promise? Mission slips into the shadows of the forest, apart from the others. Just a little way away, close enough to hear Rennick rumbling over the noise of the rain. Mission peels off the cloak from around Promise, shakes it inside out, and leaves it to soak clean for a moment.
Time. Mission looks into Promise's eyes, those timeless, depthless, dark pools of blue, and is struck by how very little time they might have.
"Don't piss on me now, boy," Mission says softly. "I'm wet enough as it is. Yes, I am. I am, I am!"
For now, they had a moment. Mission pulls his bandana out of his pocket, and lets the rain wet it. He wrings it out, gets it soaking again, and then puts the tip of the wet cloth in Promise's mouth.
It isn't much-- it isn't anything, really-- but it's all Mission has right now. As Promise greedily sucks on the cloth, Mission cleans him off as best he can. Garyth would be better at it, for sure-- but Promise was his. From the patch of blonde at the top of his head, to the pink toes. . . his boy.
And Kaishin. Mission takes a deep breath. That was something.
He whispers to Promise, "If you have any hidden wisdom there, Promise, now'd be the right time to let me in on it. Between the swamp dragons and the hordes of ravening undead and the insane, savage halflings, your da's about out of ideas. What do you say, huh, little boy?"
Promise is silent as he sucks on Mission's wet bandana. Mission feels his heart breaking and binding itself up in his son's eyes. Those fat cheeks, the little tip of pinkish tongue that works itself out of his lips every now and then. . .
"Stone and Blood, I love you, boy," he says, fiercely. "I don't think I've ever loved anything half so much as you, and though you're going to break my heart and the Stone I stand on, I will love you come shadow and sand. Just you watch-- we'll get free of all this. Just you watch."
Mission cleans out the cloak, and wraps it back around his son. "Let's see if we can't find you something else to eat. And then, what we'll do to get back to the Mossground. Maybe that nice priest can help, hmm? What do you think, Promise? Maybe I'll let you piss on a wizard. Do you want to? Hmm?"
And Promise smiles once.
OOC: Sorry to overwrite you, Mike. . . but Mission wouldn't let anyone change his son's dirty laundry, not at this point in their lives.
What To Feed The Baby?
Subject: Re: The chase; jungle and more jungle
Mission hears Garyth ask Cadfael for food for Promise. "Even just water, Cadfael-- anything at all," he adds, hopefully.
His heart sinks as he Rennick talks of the other halfling tribe. He had hoped there might be some way to get back to the eastward trail, at least that way there was Gully's outpost. . . what kind of food for Promise would they find among savage halflings?
Blood and stone. Better food than in Kor Garesh's maw, for sure. He supposed that halfling children had to eat, too. Mission glances at the chewed-up haft of Rennick's axe. Wonderful. Promise's first meal would be, what, the hilt of a broadsword?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The chase; jungle and more jungle
Does Farron have the horse spell that he used to get that halfling kid out of the jungle memorized?
Depending on how many people the magic Smarty Jones can carry, that could be a viable alternative to walking. . .
Of course,then there's the jungle to contend with. I don't know if it's passable on horseback or not.
For camp tonight, I suggest that we use Farron's magic hut thingie again. Just in case.
If we run ourselves ragged, will the various heal spells restore us?
Man, I could go for a rack of hruggda ribs right now. . .
Mission will take first watch or last watch-- though if Promise doesn't get anything to drink, I doubt any of us will get much sleep. . . which could be very bad.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The chase; jungle and more jungle
Watching Mission try to get water for the child, Rennik cuts a broad leaf from one of the jungle trees and fashions it into a sort of cone-shaped cup. Collecting some of the heavy rain, he offers the filled up to the monk.
Not sure about the care and feeding of baby humans, Rennik tries to think what infants of the tribe would eat. Not having any of the soft, mushy grains or animal fats of the tribal mothers, he tries to find some food soft enough for the child that might still have some nutritional value.
Hesitantly, he offers, "If nothing else, there are grubs that could be ground to a paste and mixed with a little water. It is food, if not the best tasting or most appealing. We will undoubtedly be approached by a Kalama hunting party once we enter their territory - perhaps we can barter for some infant food when we negotiate passge through their lands."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The chase; jungle and more jungle
Mission smiles at Rennick grimly, "Thank you, Rennick."
OOC: How long can a D&D baby survive in the wild, under the conditions we're in, Ty?